As you probably gathered from this Create-A-Caption, we are massive fans of the 1987 John Hughes comedy (dramedy?) Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Desperate to return to his Chicago home in time to spend Thanksgiving with his family, uptight businessman Neal Page (Steve Martin) encounters loutish shower curtain ring salesman Del Griffith (John Candy). During a disastrous─and hilarious─voyage back to the Windy City, both men experience the various aggravations of modern travel while forming an unlikely friendship. The comedy of errors aspect of the film (most notably this scene) and Martin and Candy’s fantastic chemistry are the two main draws of the film, but an aspect of the movie that is far less discussed yet equally valid is how it explores deep issues concerning the human condition — especially in the case of the profound loneliness that plagues Del Griffith despite his cheerful exterior. Planes, Trains and Automobiles is not only John Hughes’ masterpiece, it’s one of the best films ever made. Find some time over the holiday weekend to revisit it, it’s always great catching up with Neal and Del.
This article originally ran in 2016 and is being reprinted today as part of our Thanksgiving celebrations
